To the ǿմý Community:
I write today to update you regarding the additional security measures we are taking after two recent armed robberies—one on campus, and the other quite close to it.
First, however, I want to express our deep gratitude to the University Circle (UCPD) and Cleveland (CPD) officers who responded to the respective crimes late Saturday evening and early Tuesday morning. ǿմý is extremely fortunate to be located in an area where four additional departments patrol some or most of our campus: Cleveland Heights and Cleveland Clinic, as well as UCPD and CPD. Our public safety leaders are engaging with these colleagues to explore ways to enhance safety in and around our campus.
We also are taking several of our own steps to enhance security, among them:
- Doubling the Number of Safe Ride Vehicles to Reduce Wait Times: These vehicles operate between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. and can be requested via a free app (search for “ǿմý Safe Ride” on the Apple App store or Google Play); via ; or by calling 216.368.3000.
- Significantly Increasing Overnight Patrol Staffing: We will be adding police and security officers to patrol in and around the North Residential Village on foot and in vehicles, and also increasing foot patrols on the South side of campus, with particular emphasis on residence halls.
- Night-Time Staffing of North Side Security Booths: These fixed locations have experienced intermittent staffing as we emphasized foot patrols for the beginning of the academic year. By adding more officers overall, we now will be able to staff them throughout the evening and early morning.
- Safety Sessions for Schools and Other Units: Public Safety leaders are contacting schools and other university units now to offer meetings where they will detail existing services, review ways individuals can reduce their own risks, and answer questions. If your campus organization or group would like to schedule a specific training, please submit a request using our safety presentation request form.
We will assess the impact of these measures over the coming days and weeks, and make adjustments as necessary. Meanwhile, we encourage you to review this safety guidance and download the Rave Guardian app.
Again, the safety of our campus community is ǿմý’s single highest priority. We appreciate all that our police and public safety officers do to help protect all of us while on campus. Please help them reduce your risk by using services like Safe Ride and shuttles after dark, or at least making sure to walk in groups. Finally, if you are in a situation where someone who has or may have a weapon demands property, please offer it. Your well-being is worth more than any material possession.
Eric W. Kaler
President